Dear Parishioners,

We have just passed the Third Sunday of Advent, with its emphasis on rejoicing because of the nearness of the Lord, and we now come to the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The Fourth Sunday of Advent brings us the final days of this season of anticipation. The wonderful “O ANTIPHONS” are sung every evening by the Church all over the world prior to the praying of the Magnificat at evening prayer. These “O ANTIPHONS” are the messianic prophecies and titles of the Old Testament that are fulfilled in Christ, and in fact, are the verses of O COME O COME EMMANUEL.

The Liturgy of the Fourth Sunday of Advent reminds us of the heritage of Our Lord going back to the time of David. The Ark of the Covenant, the dwelling place of God, is reflected in the Gospel in the new Ark of the Covenant, Mary. Mary, as the Mother of God, comes to us at the end of Advent, to prepare us completely for the birth of her Son. She is the new Ark of the Covenant, because she conceived and gave birth to the Word of God, the Eternal Son of God, Jesus Christ. She is therefore a sign to us of God’s faithfulness, and being open to the will of God; trusting completely in God’s providence and care (May it be done to be according to your word.”) The words of the Archangel Gabriel are for us: “Do not be afraid Mary…and Nothing is impossible with God.”

Thank you very much for your many kind words, greetings, and generosity these past weeks after the Diocesan celebration of recognition. I am grateful for your support of your prayers and friendship. As I said when I received the news of my recognition as a “Chaplain of His Holiness (Monsignor)” I believe it is a credit to all of you, the parishes where I have been assigned, and the priesthood.

On behalf of Fr. Hoefler and myself, we wish to extend to all of you a very blessed and holy season of Christmas. Remember that the celebration of the Lord’s birth does not end on December 26th, but rather continues for Twelve Days! May the Light of Christ touch all of your hearts and families. Remember that the Lord can work in the most unexpected and mysterious of ways, especially in this holy Season!